Beat shortening in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat till well combined. Beat in molasses, eggs, and milk till combines. Beat in as much flour as you can with mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Stir in raisins and nuts.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto a ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 ° oven about 8 minutes or till bottoms are lightly brown. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 90 Typed in MMformat by cjhartlin@email. Msn. Com